The Decks @ The Boatbuilders Yard

Pro

Capacity: 250 guestsPricing: From $37 per personCategory: VenuesLocation: 23 South Wharf Promenade, South Wharf VIC 3006

4.3 stars from 4450 Google reviews

Website

Highlights

Riverside function room for 80 to 250 guests with its own private bar
Retractable glass walls turn it from an open deck into a heated room
Canapé packages from $37 per person; drinks packages from $45 per person

About The Decks @ The Boatbuilders Yard

The Boatbuilders Yard is a waterfront pub and cafe at 23 South Wharf Promenade, built around a historic shed in the maritime precinct beside the Polly Woodside. It runs a large beer garden and several bars, and its functions team books semi-private and private spaces across the site, with The Decks the main enclosed function room. The Decks is set right on the river and takes 80 to 250 guests for cocktail events. A mix of sliding and fixed glass walls means it can be opened up as an outdoor deck or closed in as a heated room, with ceiling heaters and fans, a private bar, a private entrance and plants hanging from the ceiling, so little extra styling is needed. It has its own sound system, a wireless microphone, wifi, a pull-down TV and a live music licence, and because it is fully private you can bring a DJ, band or playlist that plugs into the house system. Events are booked on a minimum spend rather than a room hire fee, confirmed with a signed form and a 25% deposit. Food runs from roaming canapé packages ($37 to $57 per person) to BBQ buffets and grazing boards, and drinks are either a two- to four-hour package or a prepaid bar tab. Functions run for up to five hours and must finish by midnight. Final numbers are locked in 14 days before the date.

Inclusions & amenities

Venue type

Pub

Budget

$ (Lower)

Food & drinks

Catering AvailableDrink PackagesBar Tab

Features

Cocktail/StandingPrivate SpaceIndoorOutdoorWaterfrontWater ViewsParty Vibe

Facilities

Sound SystemMicrophoneWIFITV/Presentation FacilitiesDJ FriendlySmoking Area

Pricing

There is generally no room hire fee; each event is booked on a minimum spend with a 25% deposit. Canapé packages are $37, $47 and $57 per person, BBQ packages $48 and $60 per person, grazing boards $15 per person and live stations $18 per person, all with a 20-guest minimum. Cake cutting and serving costs $2 per person.

Food

Canapés are passed around on trays and include pork tostadas, beetroot and goats cheese tarts, popcorn tofu, sliders and fried chicken. BBQ packages offer three or four proteins with salads, served as a buffet, and add-ons include taco, sausage and nachos stations, antipasto boards and slab pizza. Every menu has vegetarian, low-gluten and dairy-free options, and dietary trays or separate meals can be arranged.

Beverages

Drinks packages of sparkling, wine, tap beer, cider and non-alcoholic options cost $45 per person for two hours, $55 for three and $65 for four. Add-ons include basic spirits ($25 or $35 per person), an arrival spritz ($15) and a wine upgrade ($15). A prepaid bar tab is available instead, and can be extended on the night by credit card. No BYO apart from approved desserts.

Availability

Monday9AM – 9PM

Tuesday9AM – 9PM

Wednesday9AM – 10PM

Thursday9AM – 10PM

Friday8AM – 11PM

Saturday8AM – 11PM

Sunday8AM – 9PM

Enquire through the functions page and an Experience Planner confirms the booking with a signed form and 25% deposit. Final numbers are due 14 days before the event.

Frequently asked questions

How many guests fit in The Decks?

The Decks takes 80 to 250 guests for a cocktail-style event, and the whole Boatbuilders Yard can host up to 1,200.

Is there a room hire fee?

Generally no. Events are booked on a minimum spend, secured with a signed confirmation form and a 25% deposit of that spend. If the minimum isn't reached, the difference is charged as venue hire.

Can we have our own music or DJ?

Yes. The Decks is a fully private space, so you can arrange a Spotify playlist, DJ or live act. Performers bring their own gear and connect to the venue's system so the team can manage volume.

What are the food and drink options?

Canapé packages cost $37, $47 or $57 per person, BBQ packages $48 or $60 per person and grazing boards $15 per person, all for 20 or more guests. Drinks packages run $45, $55 or $65 per person for two, three or four hours, or you can set up a bar tab instead.

How long can a function run?

Functions are booked for up to five hours and, under the liquor licence, must end by midnight. Start and finish times are confirmed when you book.

Where we are

Suitable occasions

Birthday Party Christmas Party Corporate Event Engagement Party Wedding Reception

Reviews

See all reviews for The Decks @ The Boatbuilders Yard on Google

Maneet Singh

5 months ago

Friendly staff, tasty vegan or vegetarian options. I highly recommend the mushroom tacos, the bowl of chips, pork ribs and the fried chicken—all were incredibly flavorful and satisfying.

Frantastic Foodie Finds

5 months ago

A great place for breakfast 🍳! Friendly staff, really welcoming. Food is amazing. The scrambled eggs are made by a craftsperson 🙌 the streaky bacon 🥓, hash browns, grilled tomato 🍅 were spot on. Located on the river,…

Jessica Sowerby

8 months ago

Great spot to visit with a diverse range of food options to choose from. Nice to see the menu showing easy options for those with dietary requirements. Only thing is the app/online ordering doesn’t let you remove ingredi…

Dave W

8 months ago

I loved this place. Very good selection of drinks. Excellent and reasonable food, good qr code, which as a single person trying to keep his seat is more and more important these days. good service, especially from Jasper…

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